From now on, orthoptists will be able to prescribe glasses without the opinion of ophthalmologists

No need to consult with an ophthalmologist, orthoptists will now be able to prescribe glasses to their patients on their own. On Friday, October 22nd, the National Assembly voted in favor of the expanded activities of these eye rehabilitation professionals.

The measure in Article 40 of the 2022 draft social security budget is the original A strike from Friday until October 31 for the El-Ayoun community, mobilized at the invitation of their main union, the Snuff, against what they see as a ‘Deteriorating quality of care’ With direct access to these paramedical professionals.

On the contrary, the government advocates a measure capable of facilitating access to optical care for the French, given the waiting times for appointments with an ophthalmologist. Wait times averaged 80 days in 2018, with large regional differences, according to government figures. But Snof presents a more recent study that shows the delay in the apparent decline.

“The consultation (with the profession) has been taking place since the end of March.” And ‘Be precise in the decree’ Minister Brigitte Bourguignon assured MPs that the application to the relevant age groups (from 16 to 42 years in advance) or the prescription of glasses or corrective lenses authorized for orthoptists.

But nearly all opposition groups have introduced amendments to delete the article, which they fear would prevent or delay eye disease screening. ‘The target is commendable’ But this may lead to “Two-tier medicine”Depending on whether to go to an orthoptist or an ophthalmologist, argued Thibault Bazin (LR), who suggested instead “boost installation” eyes in poor areas.

Suggested action ‘Does not resolve regional disparities’, as the communist Pierre Darville advanced, while the creation of the two professions is often identical. On the proposal of General Rapporteur Thomas Messnier (LREM), the deputies adopted an amendment, so that orthotics could modify or renew the first prescription only if the patient had consulted an ophthalmologist, within a period to be determined by decree.